Current anti-epidemic measures

Updated 7th April 2021

The state of emergency ends on Monday 12th April. This means that some anti-epidemic measures will be loosening.

  • End of travel ban between districts.
  • No more night curfew.
  • Prisons visits will be possible again.

Opening of selected shops and services:

  • stationery, shops with children’s shoes and clothes, shops of reverential goods and car parts shops
  • locksmithing, laundries, dry cleaners and repair shops for household appliances
  • farmers markets
  • zoological and botanical gardens

Education:

  • 1st grade of elementary schools – renewal of presence teaching (alternating by weeks)
  • Special schools – renewal of presence teaching
  • Art schools and language schools – presence teaching in the form of 1 pupil – 1 teacher
  • Kindergartens – the return of preschoolers to Kindergarten’s classrooms

Updated 22nd March 2021

The anti-epidemic measures effective from 1st March is still valid until the end of the state of emergency, 28th march 2021. The government introduced only minor changes: 

  • Leisure activities are allowed to do in the whole territory of the district. 
  • Parents can now leave the district of residence to meet their minor children.
  • Sportsmen, who keep a distance of 2 meters do not have to wear a face-mask in the urban area of the city.
  • You can visit the elderly home if you are negatively tested for coronavirus, healthy and had covid-19 in the last 90 days, or if you have already received both doses of covid-19 vaccination.
  • Employers are obliged to test the collectives of 10 or more employees regularly.

Updated 28th February 2021

The government has declared a new state of emergency on 28th February (Find out more here). The anti-epidemic rules are being tightened from the 1st March (with some exceptions):

  • It is mandatory to wear a respirator/nano – face mask in places with a higher concentration of people.
    There is an obligation to wear a surgical face mask when moving on the streets.
  • Restrictions on free movement between districts. The districts Brno – venkov and Brno – město are merged into one in this case.
  • Schools, kindergartens and children’s groups are closed.
  • Most stores must be closed. Only grocery stores, pet stores, pharmacies, drugstores, fuel stores, opticians, stores with newspapers and tobacco, gardening centres, florists, ticket stores, electronics service, funeral services, car washes, household goods stores, composting and collection yards, taxi services and psychodiagnostic offices will remain open.

The measures are valid until 21st March.

Updated February 24th 2021

From 25th February 2021 = new measures in places where there are a lot of people!

The obligation to wear:

  • Respirator (FFP2, KN95),
  • nano-face mask,
  • or two surgical face masks over each other.

Where do I have to follow these rules?

  • in shops and services,
  • in medical facilities,
  • in social services facilities,
  • at international airports,
  • in public transport + on platforms and public transport waiting rooms,
  • in a car.

Self-made face masks will no longer be considered sufficient protection!

The obligation does not apply to:

  • children under 2 years (children aged 2 to 15 MUST wear at least 1 surgical facemask).

Other obligations:

  • From the beginning of March, it will be mandatory to wear at least 1 surgical face mask in all indoor areas and also outdoor, if there are other people near you.

Updated February 19th

The government of the Czech Republic announced some changes in a fight against the epidemic at a Friday´s press conference. From the beginning of next week, it will be mandatory to wear respirators such as FFP2, KN95, nano-facemasks or two surgical facemasks in places with a higher concentration of people (F.e.: shops, public transportation). Self-made face masks will no longer be considered sufficient protection. Violations are subject to fines. More details will be announced on Monday 22nd February.

Updated February 15th = EMERGENCY STATE*

FROM MONDAY, 15 February 2021: 

  • MOVEMENT RESTRICTIONS = from 21:00 to 4:59 (exceptions – trips to and from work, walking dogs max. 500 meters from the place of residence)
  • Groups of 2 (except are household members and colleagues at work)

OPEN:

  • OFFICES = open according to opening hours
  • SHOPS = only for basic needs (food, pharmacies, drugstores, florists, opticians, haberdashery, stationery)
  • ACCOMMODATION SERVICES = only for people on business trips or on the way to see a doctor in another city (including their family members); + newly arrived foreigners with the right to enter the country, without other residences in the Czech Republic or people in ordered quarantine or isolation

LIMITED:

  • HOSPITAL = ban on visits to patients in acute care beds
  • TRAVELLING = after returning to the Czech Republic TEST (otherwise dependent on restrictions of destination countries)
  • Restaurants, pubs, and catering establishments = dispensing window only
  • Culture (concerts, theater, cinema…) – only without visitors
  • LIBRARIES = dispensing windows only

CLOSED:

  • Swimming pools, wellness centers, saunas, solariums and salt caves, zoological and botanical gardens, museums, galleries and castles and chateaux.

BAN:

  • drinking alcohol in public
  • sales of goods in markets, marketplaces, and mobile establishments

    *EMERGENCY STATE will take from 15th until 28th February 2021.

Updated February 12th

The Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic did not approve the extension of the state of emergency at yesterday’s meeting. The state of emergency is therefore valid only until Sunday 14th February 2021. We appeal to our clients to continue following hygiene measures not only in our Center, to prevent the worsening of the pandemic situation.

Updated February 2nd

With effect from 5th February 2021  changes the conditions for the entering of persons to the Czech Republic. The new rules apply to the arrival of foreigners as well as the return of Czech citizens and residents back to the Czech Republic.

  • The dark red – high-risk – category of countries is newly added to the colour table prepared by the MOI (below). The most stringent epidemiological measures will be applied to journeys from dark red countries. This means the mandatory submission of the first PCR test not older than 48 hours before entry and subsequently, the second PCR test taken in the Czech Republic not earlier than the fifth day after entry. Self-isolation is required until a second negative test is submitted.

  • In case you are coming from orange and red countries, the obligation to submit an antigen or PCR test (not older than 48 hours) will be required before entry. In the case of red countries, the person must undergo a second PCR test taken in the Czech Republic. Self-isolation is required until a second negative test is submitted.

  • When travelling from all these categories of countries, it is also obligatory to fill in the electronic “Arrival Form”. The completion of the form will be checked together with the test upon entry into the Czech Republic.

  • From the 31st January 2021, are also prohibited travels to the Czech Republic for other reasons than strictly necessary.

Categories of countries (2nd  February 2021):

Green Countries: Australia, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Vatican

Orange countries: Finland, Greece, Iceland, Norway

Red countries: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, France, Italy, Cyprus, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Austria, Romania, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands

Dark red countries: All other countries not listed in one of the previous categories.

Source: www.mvcr.cz/clanek/s-ucinnosti-od-patku-5-unora-2021-se-meni-podminky-pro-vstup-osob-do-ceske-republiky

Updated January 22nd

State of emergency extended until February 14, 2021.

From 19 January 2021, stationery stores, children’s shoe stores and children’s clothing stores may reopen.

Updated December 23rd
State of emergency extended until January 22, 2021.

With effect from 27 December 2020, the Czech Republic will again be at level 5 of the PES system (“anti-epidemic system”).

  • GATHERING – max. 2 persons (funerals, weddings, and services up to 15 persons)
  • No curfew from 21:00 in the evening – 5:00 in the morning (no exceptions)
  • EDUCATION = distance learning (exceptions: kindergartens, 1st and 2nd grade of primary schools, special schools + specific cases)
  • SHOPPING – 1 person at 15m², covered face, and nose, 2m spacing, OPEN on Sunday
  • Closure of shops and restrictions on services that do not sell basic necessities or do not provide online ordering of goods.

Still valid:

– NO VISITS in medical facilities
– Authorities/Offices – limitation of opening hours only to the necessary time
– SPORT – indoor sports ground CLOSED (outdoor sports only up to 2 people)
– CULTURAL EVENTS – PROHIBITION
– RESTAURANT – only dispensing window + PROHIBITION of food or alcohol consumption in public areas

 

Updated December 16th

With effect from December 18th:

  • All restaurants, bars, clubs and pubs have to be closed. The takeaway windows are allowed and they must close at 23:00.
  • Going out during nighttime hours between 23:00 – 04:59 is banned.
  • Prohibition of accommodation of persons in hotels, boarding houses and other accommodation facilities for the purpose of tourism.
  • All indoor sports playgrounds must be closed. It is possible to play outdoor sports for a maximum of 6 people.
  • The Christmas holidays for primary and secondary school pupils will start on 21st December 2020.

Updated December 10th

The state of emergency is extended until December 23rd 2020.

With effect from December 9th, 2020:

  • All restaurants may be open only from 06:00 until 20:00
  • Prohibition of drinking alcohol in public.

Updated November 30th

With effect from December 3rd, the Czech Republic will move from the fourth level to the third level in the PES anti-epidemic system. This will further relax the current measures.

With effect from December 3rd, 2020:

  • All stores and services may reopen.
  • Stores may be open on Sundays.
  • All restaurants may reopen from 06:00 until 23:00. A maximum of 4 people can sit at one table.
  • The nighttime curfew will be lifted.
  • Alcohol may be consumed in public.
  • Museums and galleries may reopen with one quarter of their capacity.
  • Libraries may reopen.
  • It is now possible to play amateur sports indoors with a maximum of 10 people in the room. It is necessary to wear a face mask.
  • Church services may be attended by a larger number of people, depending on the capacity of the church (15 m2/person).

Updated November 23rd

The state of emergency is extended until December 12th 2020.

As of today, certain government pandemic measures will be relaxed.

Current measures in force:

  • Nighttime curfew from 23:00 until 04:59.
  • Gatherings of up to 6 people allowed.
  • Opening hours of stores (with basic necessities) and takeaway windows in restaurants can be extended until 23:00.
  • Prohibition of drinking alcohol in public.
  • Prohibition of sales on Sundays and public holidays.
  • Stores with weapons and ammunition can now be open.
  • Funerals, weddings and church services can now be attended by up to 20 people.
  • Theatre performances and concerts can take place without the presence of spectators.
  • Libraries can lend books through a pickup window.
  • Driving schools can organize theory and practical final tests.

Students of the last year of secondary schools will return to school on November 25th, 2020.
From November 30th, 9th-grade primary school students, 1st-5th grade primary school students, and 6th-9th grade primary school students will return to schools. 6th-9th grade elementary school students (except 9th-grade students) will take turns at school after a week.

Updated November 18th

With effect from November 18th:

  • restriction on the number of customers inside stores. Stores must allow at least 15 square meters per person. It is possible that there will be queues in front of the stores,
  • stores can be open until 21:00,
  • takeaway windows in restaurants and catering facilities can be newly opened from 5:00 to 21:00,
  • from today, dog and cat salons can be open,
  • a maximum of 15 people may attend weddings and funerals,
  • it is allowed to play sports on outdoor sports grounds for a maximum of two people.

 

Updated November 12th, 2020

On November 18th, first and second-grade students of primary school and students of special schools throughout the Czech Republic will return to school. Teaching will take place under strict epidemiological measures. (More details can be found here: https://koronavirus.edu.cz/files/informace-k-provozu-skol-a-skolskych-zarizeni-od-18-11-2020.pdf)

Foreign nationals whose work visa has expired (short-term visa for the purpose of employment, short-term visa for the purpose of seasonal work, visa for a stay of over 90 days for the purpose of seasonal work, or special work visa) between March 12th and November 16th, 2020, must depart the Czech Republic no later than November 16th, 2020. This deadline will not be extended.

Updated November 6th, 2020

As of Monday, November 9th, 2020, a new measure regulating the entry of persons to the Czech Republic will be in force. The consequent measures and restrictions are applicable both to the Czech citizens returning to the Czech Republic and to all foreign nationals.

Countries will be divided into three categories: green, orange and red. The list will be defined by a notice of the Ministry of Health here.

Red – travellers from these countries must fill in the Public Health Passenger Locator Form before entering the Czech Republic and undergo the PCR test or quarantine after the entry.

Orange – travellers from these countries may enter without the obligation to fill in the Public Health Passenger Locator Form. Those foreign nationals travelling to the Czech Republic for the purpose of working or studying will be obliged to submit a negative PCR test result before entering the workplace or the educational institution in the Czech Republic. This applies only to foreign nationals.

Green – travellers from these countries may enter without the obligation to fill in the Public Health Passenger Locator Form and without the obligation to undergo the PCR test or quarantine.

Detailed scheme:

Source and more information can be found here: www.mvcr.cz/mvcren/article/conditions-for-entry-to-the-czech-republic-valid-from-november-9th

Scheme with the conditions for entry can be found here: www.mvcr.cz/Cestovani

 

Updated November 1st, 2020

State of emergency extended until 20th November 2020.

Updated October 27th, 2020

With effect from 28th October 2020:

  • going out during nighttime hours between 21:00 – 04:59 is banned (exceptions: travelling to work, handling an emergency situation, health protection, supply, provision of health or social care, walking a dog within 500 meters from the place of residence, …)
  • restrictions on free movement between 05:00 – 20:59 (exceptions: travelling to work, necessary family or close relatives visits, purchase of essential goods, travelling to medical facilities or offices, walks in nature, weddings and funerals up to 10 people)
  • the government orders work from home if possible
  • farmer’s markets and stalls are prohibited (Does not apply to locally produced products)
  • consumption of products in the market area is prohibited
  • retail shops must be closed on Sundays completely, on weekdays and Saturdays between 20:00 – 05:00 (exceptions: petrol stations, pharmacies, airport and railway station shops, shops in medical facilities)

Updated October 21st

With effect from 22nd October 6 AM:

  • Restrictions on free movement and contact with other people with the exception of essential trips such as for work or medical visits, necessary family visits or to make essential purchases. Walks in nature are allowed for a maximum of 2 people.
  • Closure of shops and restrictions on services with the exception of grocery stores, drugstores, pharmacies, animal feed retailers, opticians and similar shops, newspapers and magazine retailers, retailers of tobacco products, and other selected establishments. (more at www.vlada.cz)
  • Major restrictions on the opening hours of offices. (to be specified)

Source: ct24.ceskatelevize.cz/specialy/koronavirus/zive-brifink-po-jednani-vlady-o-dalsich-opatrenich-proti-sireni

Updated October 20th

With effect from 21st October:

  • Face masks are obligatory in outdoor locations where it is not possible to keep a distance of two meters from others.
  • Face masks are also obligatory in cars unless the driver is alone or accompanied by his family members.

Updated October 19th

The Government of the Czech Republic allows foreign workers to change employer or job position during a state of emergency more quickly. This applies in case the new employer is involved in the implementation of crisis measures (e.g. activities in the field of health care, production of protective equipment, etc.). In such cases, the holders of employee cards or blue cards can change employer even sooner than after 6 months and it will be sufficient to notify the Ministry of the Interior (MOI) about the change on the first day of employment.

Updated October 13th

With effect from 13th October:

  • it is necessary to wear a face mask at public transport stops and platforms.

With effect from 14th October:

  • all restaurants, bars, clubs and pubs have to be closed. The takeaway windows are allowed and they must close at 20:00. (exceptions are set by the government regulations)
  • it is not allowed to meet in groups of more than six people. (exceptions are set by the government regulations)
  • drinking alcohol in public is banned.
  • primary, secondary, higher vocational schools and universities will switch to distance learning. 

Source: www.vlada.cz/cz/media-centrum/aktualne/vlada-od-stredy-zprisni-preventivni-opatreni–posle-ochranne-pomucky-invalidnim-duchodcum

Updated October 9th

With effect from 9th October 2020, the following facilities have to be closed:

  • all indoor sports grounds
  • swimming pools
  • wellness
  • sauna
  • zoo
  • casinos

With effect from 9th October 2020, the government prohibits:

  • visits in medical facilities (exceptions are provided by the government regulations)
  • visits in social services facilities (exceptions are provided by the government regulations)

Restaurants, clubs, discos and similar business have to close at 20:00.

With effect from 12th October, the government prohibits:

  • all indoor events with more than 10 participants (exceptions are set by government regulation)
  • all outdoor events with more than 20 participants (exceptions are provided by government regulations)
  • all concerts, theatres, cinemas and circuses
  • congresses and fairs
  • all sports competitions

With effect from 12th October, only individual consultations and practical teaching and practice at secondary schools and universities are allowed. The ban does not apply to first grade of elementary education, but pupils in the second grade of elementary schools will have a special half online/ half presence education. 

Updated October 5th

With effect from October 5th 2020, a state of emergency has been declared for the entire territory of the Czech Republic.

From 5th to 18th October, the following rules apply:

  • Prohibition of mass gatherings with more than 10 people indoors or 20 people outdoors.
  • Prohibition of singing performances and concerts.
  • Prohibition of the personal presence of students at secondary, higher vocational, primary art, language schools and universities in the South Moravian Region.
  • Prohibition of spectators’ participation in sports events organized by sports associations.
  • A maximum of 6 people at one table is allowed in catering establishments (restaurants, pubs, canteens, bars, etc.)
  • There can be only as many people present at the church services as there are seats available, with a limit up to 100 people. Singing will be prohibited.

 

Updated September 21st

Current information from the websites of the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic and the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic

Effective from September 21st, 2020 all persons travelling from countries that are not on the list of the countries with a low risk of contagion have the obligation to contact the regional hygienic station according to the place of stay before their arrival. The electronic form is available here: Public Health Passenger Locator Form. 

List of countries with a low risk of infection: koronavirus.mzcr.cz/seznam-zemi-podle-miry-rizika-nakazy

It will also be possible to submit a PCR test result that was issued by another EU member country. This document has to be delivered to the hygienic station immediately after arrival and cannot be older than 72 hours. This rule applies to Czech citizens, EU citizens and third-country nationals with a long-term or permanent residence permit in the Czech Republic or other EU country.
Third-country nationals with a proven long-lasting relationship with the EU citizen (who must have a certificate of temporary residence or permanent residence permit in CZE) will be allowed to enter the CZE. For obtaining authorisation of the Ministry of Foreign affairs it is necessary to submit a declaration of honour of partnership download here.
Long-lasting relationships and the entrance to the country – More information on the website of MZČR.